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Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 394/October-December 1993.

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

Builders for God

Principal Contributor

Frank Holbrook



Going Home

Editor

Erwin R.

Gane



Always Available

Associate Editor



A Second Attempt

Lyndelle Chiomenti

Assistant Editor



Living by the Word



Charlotte Ishkanian

Art and Design



Mixed Marriages

Lars Justinen

Building in Faith

The Adult Sabbath School

Lessons are prepared by the

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

There Shines a Star



A Patriot's Vision

Pacific Press Coordinator

Jerry D. Thomas

Contents

Meet the Principal Contributor

to This Quarter's Lessons

Frank B. Holbrook served as associate director of the Biblical

Research Institute at the General Conference from 1981 until

his retirement in 1990.

Elder Holbrook received a bachelor of arts from Washington

Missionary College, a master of arts from Potomac University,

and bachelor of divinity and master of theology degrees from

Andrews University. He was ordained in 1954. He served as a

pastor, evangelist, academy Bible teacher, and professor of

religion at Southern Missionary College before joining the Bib-

lical Research Institute.

Elder Holbrook served as editor of the Daniel and Revela-

tion Series, a seven-volume, ten-year project investigating the

prophecies of these books and the sanctuary doctrine con-

tained in them. He has written several Sabbath School lesson

quarterlies and numerous articles for leading Adventist publi-

cations.

Elder Holbrook and his wife, Donna, a former schoolteacher,

have three adult children.

Check with your local Adventist Book

Center for the companion book to the

Sabbath School lessons.

God's Builders

Messages from Ezra and Nehemiah

Political plots, social and economic unrest. Headlines from

today's newspaper? Yes. But they also describe events in the

books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These books also tell of brave

Jewish patriots who faced huge obstacles. Through prayer and

grace they reestablished the remnant of Israel as a group dedi-

cated to fulfilling God's will for them. Their courage and re-

solve have a message for the "remnant" church today.

The common theme that runs through Ezra and Nehemiah

(considered one book by the Jews) is "building." Zerubbabel

labored to build a temple. Nehemiah restored a city's walls and

gates. Ezra and Nehemiah reestablished Israel as a theocracy.

This common theme of "building" touches upon other themes,

including revival, obedience to God's law, prayer, church unity,

and leadership.

During the times of Ezra and Nehemiah the political struc-

tures of the Near East tumbled; Babylonian might crumbled

before the victorious armies of Cyrus. The bonds of exile sud-

denly dropped away as Persian kings permitted God's people

to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, capital, and

political economy.

"Although the double book Ezra-Nehemiah does not claim

to have been written in its entirety by Ezra, there is nothing in it

which could not have been written by him."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

vol. 3, p. 319. Because Ezra was a scribe, it would not

have been unusual for him to preserve for posterity the far-

reaching events of his time.

OUTLINE OF EZRA-NEHEMIAH

Return of the Jews Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1-2:70).

II.

Rebuilding the Temple Begins (Ezra 3:1-4:24).

III.

Completing the Temple (Ezra 5:1-6:22).

IV.

Return of More Jews Under Ezra (Ezra 7:1-8:36).

Ezra Deals With Mixed Marriages (Ezra 9:1-10:44).

VI.

Nehemiah Learns of Jerusalem's Plight (Neh. 1:1-2:11).

VII.

Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls (Neh. 2:12-6:19).

VIII.

Reading and Explaining the Law (Neh. 7:1-8:18).

IX.

Renewing the Covenant (Neh. 9:1-10:39).

Dedicating Jerusalem's Walls (Neh. 11:1-12:43).

XI.

Arranging for Temple Services (Neh. 12:44-47).

XII.

Nehemiah's Second Period as Governor (Neh. 13:1-31).

Lesson 1



September 26-October 2

Builders for God

rimm

I•') !

Sabbath

Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 2:1, 2; 3:8; 7:6, 11;

Neh. 1:11; 5:14; 8:1, 2; Dan. 8:2-4, 20; Haggai 1:1.

MEMORY TEXT: "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,

Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I,

Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8).

KEY QUESTIONS: Who is a builder for God? Why can

ordinary persons do great deeds for God and others?

TRUE BUILDERS. In 1976, an earthquake devastated Gua-

temala City, leaving thousands of children without families.

At the request of Elder Robert Folkenberg, then president of

the Adventist work in Central America, Ken and Alcyon Fleck

organized an orphanage. "After visiting Guatemala, . . . Alcyon

Fleck concluded that 'there were so many starving, lonely

children, I just couldn't leave them all there with no hope for

the future.'

"—Mission

(first quarter, 1992), p. 19. Since then,

the Flecks' organization, International Children's Care, has

established orphanages in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica,

Honduras, Mexico, and Romania. The Flecks are true builders

for God.

In our lesson this week we will study the characteristics of

several persons who were great builders for God—persons

who led captive Israel out of Babylonian captivity, then as-

sisted in the reconstruction of God's remnant people.

Sunday



September 26

PANORAMA OF THE PERSIAN PERIOD (Dan. 8:2-4, 20).

Read the visions recorded in Daniel 2:32, 37-39; 7:5; and

8:2-4. These visions indicated that the kingdom succeeding

Babylon would be a combination of two political powers: the

Medes and the Persians. The bear, raising itself on one side,

and the two horns of the ram, one higher than the other,

symbolized this dual nature. The prophecy forecast the even-

tual dominance of Persia. Read in Daniel 5:1, 5, 24-28, 30 how

Belshazzar was informed about the collapse of Babylon to the

Medes and Persians.

"In that last night of mad folly, Belshazzar and his lords

had filled up the measure of their guilt and the guilt of the

Chaldean kingdom."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 530.

What remarkable prophecy, written 150 years earlier, was

fulfilled on the night Babylon fell, thus preparing the way

for the revival of the Jewish nation? Isa. 44:27, 28; 45:1-5; see

also Jer. 51:30-32.

The Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon state that

the armies of Cyrus changed the flow of the Euphrates River

so that his troops could enter Babylon on the old river bed.

The river gates, being open because of the night's festivities,

permitted the attackers to enter the city without opposition.

Seven books of the Bible either refer to the first five or six

emperors of the Persian Empire or focus on the experience of

God's people during their rule (Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther,

Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). While these scriptures cover the

experiences of Israel during the 100 years following their

return from captivity, the Persian Empire itself lasted for a

little over 200 years. Surely this empire had an important part

in God's plan to prepare the world for the Messiah's coming.

What similarities for the spread of the gospel do you see

between the fall of ancient Babylon and the present politi-

cal climate of Eastern Europe and China?

When world affairs seem out of control, why is it good to

recall such prophecies as Daniel 8:2-4 and Jeremiah 51:30,

31?

Monday



September 27

ZERUBBABEL: TEMPLE BUILDER (Ezra 3:8).

Old Testament prophets compared the exodus from Babylon

with the Exodus from Egypt (Isa. 11:11, 12, 16). Look for these

similarities as you continue your study.

Whom did Cyrus, the Persian king, appoint as governor

over the Jews, charging him to rebuild the temple? Ezra

5:13-16. Why might the king have chosen him?

Most Bible references acknowledge Zerubbabel as gover-

nor and builder of the temple (Haggai 1:1; 2:21). The name

Sheshbazzar is probably a name by which he was known to

the Babylonians and Persians. Remember that Daniel's cap-

tors gave him and his companions other names (Dan. 1:7). A

"prince of Judah," Zerubbabel was a grandson of Jehoiachin

(Jeconiah), the king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar took

into captivity after only three months on the throne in 597

B.C. (1 Chron. 3:17-19; 2 Kings 24:8-16).

Cyrus probably chose Zerubbabel with the thought that the

Jews would rally around a "prince of the blood." But we have

no reason to think that he was a man of great wealth or

extraordinary ability. After all, he was an exile of a defunct

nation. Yet he must have enjoyed the confidence of his kins-

men in captivity. They would have respected him as a descen-

dant of the old Jewish nobility and the Davidic house.

What major tasks did Cyrus give to Zerubbabel? Ezra

5:13-16.

God appointed Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Micah 6:4) to

lead Israel from Egypt to Canaan. In Israel's second exodus

(from Babylon), Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the

high priest, led out in a similar manner. Assisted by 10 others

(Ezra 2:2), Zerubbabel organized nearly 50,000 persons and

more than 8,000 animals to travel from Babylon to Judah (Ezra

2:64-67), a trek that took four months. And just as Moses and

the Israelites built the sanctuary, so did Zerubbabel and the

exiles from Babylon rebuild the temple.

How are you a prince or princess of the blood? (See Eph

1:3-5.)

Can God depend upon you as He depended upon

Zerubbabel?

Tuesday



September 28

JOSHUA: HIGH PRIEST AND INTERCESSOR (Ezra 2:2;

Haggai 1:1).

Joshua, Zerubbabel's associate, was another of God's timely

"builders." What claim did he have to his position? Ezra 3:2;

Haggai 1:1; 1 Chron. 6:3-15.

Joshua traced his lineage back to Aaron through Aaron's

son Eleazar. Cyrus evidently chose Joshua to be the high

priest of the new temple, since he was the legitimate person

for the office according to Mosaic law.

What assurance did God give Joshua and the returned

exiles in response to Joshua's prayers on behalf of the na-

tion? Zech. 3:1-7.

"As the intercession of Joshua is accepted, the command is

given, 'Take away the filthy garments from him;' and to Joshua

the Angel says, 'Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass

from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.' So

they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with

garments.' . . . His own sins and those of his people were

pardoned. Israel was clothed with 'change of raiment'—the

righteousness of Christ imputed to them. The miter placed

upon Joshua's head was such as were worn by the priests, and

bore the inscription, 'Holiness to the Lord,' signifying that

notwithstanding his former transgressions, he was now quali-

fied to minister before God in His sanctuary."—Prophets

and

Kings,

p. 584.

Local opposition from the Samaritans and political opposi-

tion in the empire hindered the work on the temple until it

stopped altogether. In discouragement the people turned to

their own interests for sixteen years (Haggai 1:2-4).

What finally aroused Joshua and Zerubbabel to encour-

age the people to return to their work on the Lord's temple?

Ezra 5:1, 2 (compare Haggai 1:1-8, 12; Zech. 4:1-10).

Joshua and Zerubbabel

willingly responded to the coun-

sels of the prophets. Likewise, God has given us counsels and

encouragement through the prophet Ellen White. How has

this gift assisted you in your relationship with the Saviour?

Wednesday



September 29

EZRA: PRIEST AND SCRIBE OF THE LAW (Ezra 7:6, 11).

About 80 years after the first group of Jews had returned to

Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, Ezra

led a second migration estimated to have numbered about

8,000.

How does Ezra identify himself and his work? Ezra 7:1-5,

11.

"Born of the sons of Aaron, Ezra had been given a priestly

training; and in addition to this he had acquired a familiarity

with the writings of the magicians, the astrologers, and the

wise men of the Medo-Persian realm. But he was not satisfied

with his spiritual condition. He longed to be in full harmony

with God; he longed for wisdom to carry out the divine will.

And so he 'prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and

to do it.'. . . Ezra's heart was stirred. He experienced a new

and thorough conversion, and determined to master the records

of sacred history that he might use this knowledge to bring

blessing and light to his people."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 608.

How did Ezra begin to make the Word of God a promi-

nent force in the life of the emerging nation? Neh. 8:1-3.

"What is strikingly apparent is the royal reception given to

the Word of God. This day was to prove a turning-point.

From now on the Israelites would be predominantly 'the people

of a book.' At the dedication of Solomon's Temple there had

been glory and beauty, natural and supernatural, to over-

whelm the worshippers. Here the focus, apart from a wooden

platform, was a scroll—or more exactly, what was written in

it. Its opening brought the people to their feet."—Derek Kidner,

Ezra & Nehemiah,

Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries

(Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1979), pp. 105, 106.

The greatness of Ezra's influence lay in his passion foi

studying God's Word so he would know his Lord. List some

factors that help us develop a hunger for Bible study. Iden-

tify some things that take away our desire for the Word.

What could you do this week to become a better student of

the Book?

Thursday



September 30

NEHEMIAH: GOVERNOR AND KING'S HELPER (Neh. 1:11;

5:14).

Twelve or 13 years after Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, the new

Persian king, Artaxerxes I, appointed Nehemiah as governor

of Judah (Neh. 5:14).

What did Nehemiah do in the king's court? Neh. 1:11.

According to Herodotus, the Greek historian, the office of

cupbearer was a great honor. It was the responsibility of this

officer to protect the monarch from being poisoned. That

Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer indicates that he was a

man of integrity. In God's providence, both Ezra and Nehemiah

were trained in the court of Persia for their major roles in

reestablishing God's people in Judah.

What admirable characteristics of Nehemiah can you iden-

tify? Neh. 1:3, 4, 11; 2:17.

Nehemiah was a man of deep piety who grieved for the

plight of God's people in Jerusalem. But this grief did not

cause him to act without thinking. Having considered all the

options, he carefully laid his plans."

"As important as the news itself is the manner of Nehemiah's

reaction to it. Despite having the ear of the

king,

and the fact

that . . . he himself is by disposition a man of

action,

he turns

first to

God

and to

prayer."—J.

G. McConville,

Ezra, Nehemiah,

and Esther

(Edinburgh, Scotland: The Saint Andrew Press,

1985), p. 75.

How do you react to troubling news or situations? Do you

pray immediately? Of what advantage would prayer be in

such circumstances?

"To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a

resource at the command of the Christian. . . . In every cir-

cumstance, under every condition, the soul weighed down

with grief and care, or fiercely assailed by temptation, may

find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love and

power of a covenant-keeping

God."—Prophets and Kings,

pp.

631, 632.

Friday



October 1

FURTHER STUDY: This week we saw that God has builders

to match the times. Read Genesis 6:13, 14, 22; Luke 1:26-38;

Acts 8:26-40. (1) In each set of texts, who is the "builder"? (2)

What made him/her a "builder" for God? (3) What traits of

Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah did each display?

Read "Not by Might, nor by Power" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp.

593-597.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you see things that need to change in your church?

How can you accomplish this as Nehemiah did without

being abrasive and harsh?

Recite this week's Memory Text. When the Lord asks,

"Whom shall I send?" are you quick to respond, "Send

me"? How can you be a builder for God?

SUMMARY: God has His "builders." Humble, sensitive to

the counsels of the prophetic gift, deep students of the Word,

persons of faith, earnest prayer, and action, God's builders

from all walks of life hear His call in the great needs of His

people and give of themselves wholeheartedly to meet the

challenges.

Lesson 2



October 3-9

Going Home

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 1, 2.

MEMORY TEXT: "When the Lord turned again the cap-

tivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was

our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with sing-

ing" (Psalm 126:1, 2).

KEY QUESTION:

Permission to return to Judah surprised

and excited the exiles, yet only a minority actually went home.

Likewise, God's people will be delirious with happiness when

Jesus appears in glory. What preparation is necessary for you

to take part in heaven's homecoming?

A DREAM COME TRUE.

On November 12, 1989, a crane

yanked sections of concrete out of the Berlin Wall as a dentist

extracts decayed teeth. Minutes later, Bernd and Cornelia

Platt from East Germany walked through the gap. "It's like

realizing a dream," Bernd said. Yet with the freedom to move

now a real choice, these young professionals decided to con-

tinue living where they had been. The security of home and

jobs kept them from moving.

When the winds of strife brought immense changes in the

Near East in 539 B.C., the Jewish exiles suddenly found them-

selves able to return to Judah. Most, however, chose to re-

main in Babylon because they had grown comfortable in their

communities. This week we will focus on those who decided

to make the dream of returning home come true.

Sunday



October 3

PRAYER PREPARATION (Dan. 9:1-19).

Daniel's name does not appear in the books of Ezra and

Nehemiah, but therein we may trace his fingerprints. Above

all, his earnest, intercessory prayers pervade the records of

Ezra 1.

How did the onset of the Medo-Persian kingdom affect

Daniel? Dan. 9:1-3 (see also Jer. 29:10-14).

Daniel and his Hebrew friends often must have pondered

Israel's destiny. How could they tell others about the Messiah

while those others were still apostatizing? How could Jerusa-

lem become their missionary center while they were still in

captivity? Daniel himself was in the first group of captives

taken to Babylon (605 B.C.), and the ascension of Darius the

Mede to the former throne of Babylon prompted him to restudy

Jeremiah's prophecies.

What was the substance of Daniel's prayer? Dan. 9:4-15,

20.

Daniel was not a priest, "but it is one of the glories of

Scripture that no special permission is required for interces-

sion on behalf of others. . . . Thanks to the study of 'the books'

and the habit of prayer three times a day, . . . the instructed

Jew was not at a loss when he came to put his prayer into

words."—Joyce G. Baldwin,

Daniel,

Tyndale Old Testament

Commentaries (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1978),

p. 165.

Why did Daniel earnestly desire God to honor His prom-

ise to restore Israel after 70 years? Dan. 9:18, 19.

Daniel expresses no selfish interest in his prayer. His con-

cern is for the honor of God. Even though the sinful people of

Israel have brought reproach and embarrassment upon the

nation, it is really the true God they have dishonored before

the pagan world.

Are you in a situation that is holding you captive? How

can Israel's captivity and release help you?

Monday



October 4

PERSIAN PERMISSION (Ezra 1:1-4).

Although Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.,

he remained the power behind the throne of Darius the Mede

for more than a year. He issued his decree for the Jews to

rebuild the temple at Jerusalem in the summer of 537 B.C.

What motivated Cyrus to issue this proclamation? What

evidence is there that someone had shown Isaiah's proph-

ecy to the king? Ezra 1:1, 2; Isa. 44:24-28; 45:1-5, 13.

In his proclamation, Cyrus acknowledged that Yahweh had

charged him to build His temple at Jerusalem. Such a charge

appears only in the prophecy of Isaiah. A person who had a

scroll of Isaiah and who had intimate access to the king prob-

ably showed Cyrus the divine message. Thus in Cyrus' decree

we may see the traces of Daniel's influence.

What event during the reign of Darius the Mede opened a

door for Daniel to reach Cyrus? Daniel 6.

"The deliverance of Daniel from the den of lions had been

used of God to create a favorable impression upon the mind

of Cyrus the Great. The sterling qualities of the man of God as

a statesman of farseeing ability led the Persian ruler to show

him marked respect and to honor his judgment."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 557.

Scholars used to question the validity of Cyrus' decree.

They found it difficult to believe that he would take such an

interest in an insignificant captive nation. But an archeologi-

cal discovery tells us this in Cyrus' own words: "I returned to

these sacred cities on the other side of the Tigris, the sanctu-

aries of which have been in ruins for a long time, the images

which used to live in them, and I established for them perma-

nent sanctuaries. I also gathered all their former inhabitants

and returned to them their habitations."—"Cyrus Cylinder,"

The Biblical World

(Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House,

166), p. 178.

The second temple was financed largely by a pagan gov-

ernment. Is it proper for the church today to accept govern-

ment money for its institutions?

Tuesday



October 5

READY RESPONSE (Ezra 1:5, 6).

Who in particular responded to Cyrus' decree? What was

the driving force behind their decision? Ezra 1:5.

Ezra lifts the veil so that we may see the operation of the

unseen heavenly realm. It was God who "stirred" up Cyrus

(Ezra 1:1), and God who "raised" His people to respond.

How did the Jews and their non-Jewish acquaintances in

their communities respond in a material way to this chal-

lenging venture? Ezra 1:6.

The time of departure from Babylon was probably the spring

of 536 B.C. This gave the leaders and the people who would

join the great migration to Palestine approximately a year to

prepare for the trek. During these months, they received gifts

of gold, silver, and other necessities in addition to the horses,

mules, asses, and camels for transportation.

What special treasures did Cyrus order his treasurer,

Mithredath, to entrust to Zerubbabel (Sheshbazzar)? Ezra

1:7-11. Under what circumstances had some of these same

treasures been used only two years earlier? Dan. 5:1-4, 23.

The meaning of the Hebrew words that designate some of

these items is not clear, nor is it certain just how they arrived

at the total figures (see

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 329).

But how quickly a situation can change! As they praised their

idols, Belshazzar of Babylon and his lords, wives, and concu-

bines drank wine from sacred vessels once used in services

that pointed to the Lamb of God. Only two years later, Persia

was returning these vessels to the temple that the government

would help to build!

The Holy Spirit is moving in the earth today, preparing

people of all nationalities for Christ's coming. Led by the

Spirit, approximately 1,500 persons are joining the Advent

people every day. Are you aware of the Spirit's presence,

and do you desire Him to prepare you for your spiritual

journey to Zion? What can you do this week to be more

involved in preparing others for the journey?

Wednesday



October 6

MIGRATING MULTITUDES (Ezra 2:1-67).

Read Ezra 2:1, 64. Between these two verses is a record of

the first group of exiles from Babylon. Why did Ezra com-

pile such an extensive list?

These people are the living "roots" of what was to be. Such

details seem dry to us, but at that point in Israel's history they

were essential. God had originally separated Israel from the

nations for a holy purpose: to be "an holy people unto the

Lord thy God" (Deut. 7:6). So Ezra needed to determine from

the records who were "the holy seed" (Ezra 9:2) who would

replant the nation.

These basic groups are evident in the list:

(1)

The leadership (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7), representing "the

men of the people of Israel."

(2)

Descendants from a pre-captivity ancestor (Ezra 2:3-

19).

(3)

Descendants from pre-captivity cities (2:20-35).

(4)

Priests descended from pre-captive families (2:36-39).

(5)

Levites descended from pre-captive families (2:40-42).

(6)

Nethinim and Solomon's servants (2:43-58). The ances-

tors of these temple servants were apparently captives

(such as the Gibeonites) or remnants of the Canaanites

whom Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon dedicated

to the temple to perform menial tasks under the direc-

tion of the priests and Levites. The word

Nethinim

means

"the given ones."

What happened to those groups who couldn't prove they

were of Israelite or priestly stock? Ezra 2:59-63.

More than 600 persons could not identify themselves as

Israelites of the blood. It is possible they were attracted to

God's people like the mixed multitude who joined Israel in

the Exodus from Egypt (Ex. 12:38). Those claiming to be priests

were not permitted to serve until God gave permission.

Read Revelation 21:26, 27. What similarities exist between

these verses and our lesson for today? (See also John 5:24;

Heb. 12:22, 23; Rev. 3:5.)

Thursday



October 7

CHEERFUL GIVERS (Ezra 2:68-70).

Ezra lists the returning Israelites by family, city, or office,

but he is silent on character and motive. What kinds of

people were likely to come on this journey and why?

If a Jewish captive were 20 years of age in 605, 597, or 586

B.C. (the dates of the three major deportations), he or she

would be 88, 80, and 69, respectively, in 537 B.C., the year of

release. It is not likely that many of the elderly from the first

deportation would be physically able to make the return trip.

Some of the older persons from the third deportation might

have returned. Those persons who were strongly religious

(young or old) and/or nationalist in spirit would return. The

priests, Levites, and temple servants were naturally attracted,

since the new temple would allow them to work at their

ancestral careers. Finally, the poor—who had nothing to lose—

were also likely attracted.

Before separating to their respective ancestral towns, this

diverse group assembled at the ruins of Solomon's temple

(Ezra 2:68, 70). In their joy upon a safe arrival, what did

they do? Ezra 2:68, 69.

While this large sum of gold, silver, and priestly garments

was a freewill offering, it probably reflects some of the gifts

given by the Jews and their friends in Babylon and elsewhere.

Cyrus' grant to finance the construction of the temple created

a generous spirit in these patriots.

Furthermore, while suffering the reproach of captivity, it

appears that the Israelites took Jeremiah's counsel to heart to

settle into the land of their sojourn (Jer. 29:4-7). Excavations at

Nippur, the area of Ezekiel's home during the exile, have

uncovered the archives of a large banking firm, "Murashu

Sons." Thousands of tablets contain more than one hundred

Jewish names, indicating that some Israelites became a wealthy,

influential minority in Persia. Their success is reflected in the

grand freewill offering they gave for the new temple in Jerusalem.

Why would God prefer that we give little with a cheerful

heart than much with complaining? (Compare 2 Cor.

9:6, 7.)

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Friday



October 8

FURTHER STUDY:

This week we learned that the Holy Spirit

motivated the return to Jerusalem. Read more about the work

of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 59:19; John 6:63; 14:18, 23, 26; 16:8,

14; Romans 8:26, 27.

Read "The Return of the Exiles"

in Prophets and Kings,

pp.

551-560, and "Pray for the Latter Rain"

in Testimonies to Minis-

ters,

pp. 506-512.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How can you contribute to a spiritual revival among

God's people?

How "pure" should a Christian congregation keep its

books? What are the functions of discipline and

disfellowshiping?

SUMMARY:

Multitudes headed home from Babylonian exile.

Seventh-day Adventist Christians are heading home too. Doors

long shut are opening in all the world, providing the gospel

with new avenues of access. This is the hour to fall to our

knees and plead for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to em-

power us to fulfill our mission and prepare for the great

homecoming in the heavenly Jerusalem!

Lesson 3



October 10-16

Always Available

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Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 3, 4; Daniel 10.

MEMORY TEXT: "And they sang together by course in

praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is

good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel" (Ezra

3:11).

KEY QUESTIONS: Why is it true that many endeavors for

the Lord meet with obstacles? How should we confront chal-

lenges that threaten the progress of His cause?

GOD IS WITH US ALWAYS. When Chip was a boy, it

seemed that sickness would be his way of life. He remembers

how fever, pneumonia, or other serious illness plagued his

childhood. In the long, restless nights he would awaken from

a half-sleep to see his mother in the soft glow of the night-

light, sitting in a rocking chair beside his bed, ready for any

emergency, always available.

A mother's availability in time of need reflects one of the

great truths Israel learned from the altar of burnt offering. Its

morning and evening offerings were arranged to provide a

continuously burning sacrifice (Lev. 6:9-13). This sacrifice as-

sured the Israelites that God's grace is constantly available

any time, day or night. Thus, the first task of the returning

exiles was to restore the services of the altar of burnt offering.

As you study this week's lesson, remember that God is al-

ways available to you too.

Sunday



October 10

FIRST THINGS FIRST (Ezra 3:1-6).

When the first migration of Jews from Babylon reached

Judah, they scattered to their ancestral cities (Ezra 2:70). We

can only imagine the problems they faced in establishing their

claims to land and houses vacated by their ancestors 50 to 60

years earlier. The anger of the local people at this "invasion"

of Israelites may be reflected in the statement made a month

or two later when the people assembled at the site of the

temple ruins: "Fear was upon them because of the people of

those countries" (Ezra

3:3).

When did the people reassemble at Jerusalem? Ezra 3:1, 6.

What was significant about this date? Lev. 23:24, 27, 34, 36.

"The 7th month (Tishri) was one of the most sacred months

of the entire Jewish religious year. The 1st day of that month

was New Year's Day of the civil calendar [Rosh Hashanah].

. . . The month began with a blowing of trumpets and a holy

convocation (Lev. 23:24). . . . Ten days later came the solemn

Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27), followed almost immediately

by the Feast of Tabernacles, from the 15th to the 22nd day of

the same month (Lev. 23:34-36)."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, pp. 338, 339.

Even before the leaders made arrangements for rebuild-

ing the temple, what did they construct and put into opera-

tion? Ezra 3:2, 3. Why did they not wait until the temple was

completed before starting this aspect of the temple's ritual

service?

There was always a sacrifice on the altar of burnt offering

(Lev. 6:9-13), symbolically providing forgiveness through a

Substitute to anyone who might seek the Lord. Even though it

might take years to build the temple, the essential element of

atonement by a Substitute and the assurance of God's forgive-

ness could be kept continuously before the people.

Your Sabbath School class decides to conduct a Revela-

tion Seminar. Apply the principles of building an altar first.

(For example, dedication and devotion are the only reasons

to reach out; seek the assurance of the Holy Spirit's pres-

ence before you begin.)

Monday



October 11

BUILDING PREPARATIONS (Ezra 3:7-9).

With whom did Joshua and Zerubbabel contract to work

on the temple? Ezra 3:7, first half.

Joshua and Zerubbabel contracted with the skilled builders

among their own people, agreeing to pay them wages in money.

Most likely, the Babylonians had employed these craftsmen to

build their government and religious buildings.

With whom did the leaders contract for cedar? Ezra 3:7,

last half.

The cedar of the Lebanon mountains attains a height of 80

feet (24 meters) and a girth of 40 feet (12 meters) at its full

growth. Its fragrant wood was rot-resistant and knot-free,

making it ideal for building purposes. The Phoenicians cut the

trees in the mountains east of Sidon and transported the logs

down the slopes to the Mediterranean Sea. Here workmen

assembled the logs into rafts and floated them approximately

120 miles (192 kilometers) southward to Joppa (the modern

Jaffa-Tel Aviv), Judah's port city 35 to 40 miles (56 to 64

kilometers) west of Jerusalem (see 2 Chron. 2:16). From Joppa,

the Jews had an uphill task to move the logs inland to Jerusa-

lem, which is approximately 2,500 feet (750 meters) above sea

level at its highest point. It took seven months to collect the

building materials needed for the temple (Ezra 3:1, 6, 8).

"The work was quickly begun, but it was not hurriedly and

slovenly dispatched. Each part was wrought by those who

were specially adapted for it. No amount of zeal in the cause

of God will make up for lack of intelligence and adaptation.

We must build up the spiritual house of the Lord—the Church

of Christ—not only inspired by consecration of spirit, but

guided by a wise and intelligent adoption of the best means

and appliances."—Homily on Ezra 3:7-13,

Pulpit Commentary

(Chicago: Wilcox & Follett Co., n.d.), vol. 15, p. 40.

Consider the extensive plans and organization involved

in the construction of the temple as a witness for Christ.

How do your local church facilities reflect such principles?

Tuesday



October 12

CORNERSTONE CELEBRATION (Ezra 3:10-13).

For what great event did the leadership prepare a celebra-

tion? Ezra 3:10 (compare 1 Chron. 15:16).

Since Joshua followed "the ordinance of David" in this

celebration, what psalm did the people probably sing? Ezra

3:11; 1 Chron. 16:7-36, especially note verse 34.

Note how Psalms 106 and 107 open with the same call to

worship and praise. We are motivated to do so because of the

Lord's mercy and goodness in redeeming us from our en-

emies (107:2). From what enemy has He redeemed you, and

how has He done so?

"Through sin men have sold themselves to the adversary,

but Heaven paid an infinite price to buy them back. . . . The

redeemed, of all people, have most reason to say that God is

good and that His mercy is everlasting. Far more than we do,

we should relate what Christ has done for us, and our love for

Him will deepen as we give expression to

it."—SDA Bible

Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 873.

At this climax of their fondest dreams, how did the people

respond? Ezra 3:11. How did the elderly react to this scene

of national rejoicing? Ezra 3:12, 13.

If the older generation had formerly repented of their sins,

Solomon's temple would not have been destroyed, nor would

the exile have been necessary. Now, they had abundant evi-

dence that God miraculously had restored them to their home-

land and provided for the rebuilding process. It was nothing

less than disdain for God to wail their opinion of the new

temple so loudly that it drowned out the voices of praise.

"The murmuring and complaining, and the unfavorable

comparisons made, had a depressing influence on the minds

of many, and weakened the hands of the builders."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 564.

In what way does your attitude about certain situations

in your local church and the church at large impact upon

others? How is your life testifying to others that Jesus is

your Lord?

Wednesday



October 13

SAMARITAN CONFRONTATION (Ezra 4:1-5).

When God works, Satan counters. After the workers laid

the cornerstone, Satan attempted to stall and make of no

effect God's purpose in restoring Israel and the temple.

Who approached Zerubbabel, supposedly with the pur-

pose of helping to rebuild the temple? Ezra 4:1, 2. From

where had they originated? 2 Kings 17:24-41.

The deportation of whole nations within the Near East was

Assyrian state policy. Three Assyrian rulers ordered the set-

tlement of nationalities in the territory of the northern king-

doms of Israel: Sargon (2 Kings 17:24-29, 33); Esarhaddon

(Ezra 4:2); and Ashurbanipal, "the great and noble Asnapper"

(Ezra 4:10). A Levitical priest was ordered to teach these

people about Jehovah (2 Kings 17:28). The result was a mixed

worship of truth and error. Thus the Samaritan nation was a

people of mixed nationality and mixed religion.

Not just a friendly offer.

The return of God's people had,

in effect, created a new province in an area abandoned for 50

years. Those who returned were thus subject to the control of

the nearest local government such as that of the Samaritans.

The offer to assist the Jews in rebuilding the temple possibly

hid a motive to secure political control of the area now gov-

erned by the newly restored Israel.

After Zerubbabel declined their offer for help, how did

the Samaritans show their true colors? Ezra 4:4, 5.

"Had the Jewish leaders accepted this offer of assistance,

they would have opened a door for the entrance of idolatry.

They discerned the insincerity of the Samaritans. They real-

ized that help gained through an alliance with these men

would be as nothing in comparison with the blessing they

might expect to receive by following the plain commands of

Jehovah."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 568.

As Christians, to what extent can we enter into close

commitments or alliances with those who do not share our

faith? What are the dangers? (See 2 Cor. 6:14-18.)

Thursday



October 14

PREVAILING PRAYER (Daniel 10).

In the third year of Cyrus (536/535 B.C.), how did Daniel

react to the news of the Samaritan opposition? Dan. 10:2, 3.

"Daniel's period of mourning seems to have been contem-

porary with the serious threat that Cyrus' decree [to rebuild

the temple] might not be carried to completion after all, be-

cause of the false reports sent by the Samaritans to the court

of Persia, in an attempt to stop the building operations. The

significant fact that during these three weeks the angel was

struggling to influence Cyrus (vs. 12, 13) indicates that a vital

decision of the king was at stake. While praying for further

light . . . the prophet doubtless engaged in another period of

intensive intercession . . . that the work of the adversary

might be checked and that God's promises of restoration

might be fulfilled to His chosen people."—SDA

Bible Commen-

tary,

vol. 4, pp. 857, 858.

What did Daniel learn while he was in vision? Dan.

10:13.

The Hebrew word for "prince" can refer either to Cyrus or

to a supernatural evil personage attempting to control Cyrus,

even as Michael (likewise a Prince) also sought to persuade

him. The former urged the king to cancel his decree favoring

the Jews, while Michael appealed through his conscience to

confirm it. Two supernatural powers tried to influence Cyrus,

but the choice was his to make. For 21 days the fate of Judah

hung in the balance as Daniel—unaware of the supernatural

wrestling—prayed for Israel's deliverance from Samaritan

opposition.

What insight does this experience give us regarding the

great controversy between Christ and Satan? Eph. 6:12.

What place does intercessory prayer have in your spir-

itual experience? Why are affirmative answers to such prayers

often a long time in coming? What attitude should we adopt,

and what should we do while waiting for answers?

Friday



October 15

FURTHER STUDY:

The apostle Paul's experience makes clear

that serious endeavors for the Lord often run into obstacles.

How did Paul describe some of these obstacles in 2 Corinthians

11:23-27? What motivated Paul to continue despite the hard-

ship? 1 Cor. 2:2.

Read the portions of "The Return of the Exiles" and "The

Prophets of God Helping Them" in

Prophets and Kings

pages 560-572.

God "permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and

hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our

lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial bravely borne,

gives us a new experience and advances us in the work of

character building. The soul that through divine power resists

temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe

the efficiency of the grace of

Christ."—Thoughts From the Mount

of Blessing,

p. 117.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Your church is planning evangelistic meetings. But a

faction suddenly brings the board to vote that no money

can be spent on evangelism until a new organ is pur-

chased for the church. As personal-ministries director,

should you (a) enter into intercessory prayer; (b) ask the

board to allow you to present your case, and ask board

members to reconsider their decision; (c) visit key board

members and ask them to reconsider prayerfully; (d)

other?

The altar of burnt offering teaches that God is always

present. Can you think of instances when it would be

helpful to remember this?

How can you make your devotional life more meaning-

ful? How do you pray about circumstances that concern

the church, as well as yourself? Do you think that, be-

cause God already knows everything, there is no need to

pray?

SUMMARY:

The first priority of the returned Jews was to build

the altar with its constantly burning sacrifice; then followed the

rebuilding of the temple. Just so, the Christian first establishes

and maintains a union with Christ through daily prayer and

Bible study. Then one can face life's varied challenges with

confidence, knowing that the Lord is present to help.

Lesson 4



October 17-23

A Second Attempt

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 5, 6.

MEMORY TEXT: "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall

ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye pros-

per" (2 Chronicles 20:20).

KEY QUESTIONS:

What is the force that resides in the

prophetic Word? Why does obedience to its direction result in

a revival of faith and action despite opposition?

SECOND CHANCES.

One day teenaged Shannon com-

peted in the long jump at a track meet; the next day the junior

high school student battled to stay alive. A victim of

meningococcemia, she was expected to die within hours after

she was admitted to the hospital, but Shannon refused to give

up. Although her left leg and right foot were amputated,

Shannon survived. Today she plans to be a teacher. Her in-

credible will to live helped her get a second chance at life.

Like Shannon, the returned Jews faced an enormous, life-

threatening obstacle. The local Samaritans vigorously sought

to prevent their endeavors. During the next 15 years, Jewish

hopes dimmed. And a usurper to the Persian throne ordered

the builders to stop. Then prophetic voices began to sound.

Israel was given a second chance.

As you study, ask yourself what prophetic voices say to us,

and particularly to you, in 1993.

Sunday



October 17

HELPING HANDS (Ezra 5:1, 2).

How did the Samaritans specifically prevent the Jews

from reconstructing the temple in the period between Cyrus

and Darius I, in the reign of Ahasuerus, and at one point

during the later reign of Artaxerxes I? Ezra 4:1-23.

"It is generally held today that the incidents described in

ch. 4 are not given in their chronological order; specifically,

that the events of vs. 6-23 took place at a later time than those

of vs. 1-5, 24. Accordingly, v. 24 and the narrative in ch. 5

about the work of Haggai and Zechariah, who were active in

the 2d year of Darius I, are held to be a continuation of the

order of events that was interrupted at ch. 4:5."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 347.

The Persian kings were as follows:

Ezra 4:1-5: Cyrus the Great (c. 553-530 B.C.), Cambyses

(530-522 B.C.), False Smerdis (522 B.C), Darius I (522-486 B.C.).

Ezra 4:6: Xerxes (Ahasuerus; 486-465 B.C.).

Ezra 4:7-23: Artaxerxes I (465-423 B.C.).

Ezra 4:24 refers to verse 5, the second year of Darius I.

Who challenged the dispirited and apathetic Jews to re-

sume work on the temple? Ezra 5:1. How had the Jews

reacted to the Samaritan threat? Haggai 1:2-4. Read the mes-

sage God gave to them in Haggai 1:5-13.

"Spiritually as well as temporally, the Israelites were in a

pitiable state. So long had they murmured and doubted; so

long had they chosen to make personal interests first, while

viewing with apathy the Lord's temple in ruins, that many

had lost sight of God's purpose in restoring them to Judea. . . .

The lack of temporal prosperity was the result of a neglect to

put God's interests

first."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 573.

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the builders responded to God's

message with eager willingness. According to the figures in

Haggai 1:1 and 1:12-15, construction began anew 23 days after

the prophet's appeal. Read also Ezra 5:1, 2.

How eagerly and quickly do you respond when the Lord

calls you to action? Can you testify to the special blessings

involved in following divine instruction? What personal

interests are hindering us from putting God first?

Monday



October 18

OFFICIAL MISGIVINGS (Ezra 5:3-17).

On one side of the Behistun mountain that lies on the main

route between Iran and Iraq, Darius

ordered a sculptured

relief to be made of his conquest of the False Smerdis and nine

other contenders for the Persian throne. Cut into the rock

along with the figures (345 feet above ground level) is the

account of his victories written in three different languages.

With such a spirit of revolt in the air, it was only natural that

Persian officials would check out news of vigorous building

activities in Judah. And that is exactly what happened. Read

Ezra 5:3, 4.

"On this side of the river"

is better translated

beyond the river.

The river referred to is the Euphrates, while

Beyond the River

was the official name of that particular division of the Persian

Empire composed of Syria and Palestine. Tatnai was governor

of that region, and Shethar-boznai was most likely the royal

secretary.

The King James Version suggests that the Persian delega-

tion wanted the building stopped until they could know

Darius' decision on the matter. But what kept the builders

steadfastly pursuing their task? Ezra 5:5.

In the diplomatic manner of the elders, but especially in

their steadfast determination to erect the temple, we see the

striking influence of the prophetic witness of Haggai and

Zechariah. God's direct and pointed message lifted the Jews

above all fear of human authorities. They were toiling in

response to the very instruction of the Almighty, "the God of

heaven and earth" (verse 11), carrying out His specific direc-

tions. They refused to be intimidated.

Summarize the letter Tatnai sent to Darius I. Ezra 5:6-17.

Notice especially what impressed him about the building

project (verse 8). Also notice how the Jewish elders ex-

plained the reason for the destruction of the temple (verses

11, 12).

Is it good news or bad news that the "eye of God is upon

me"? Why?

Tuesday



October 19

DARIUS' DECREE (Ezra 6:1-12).

What evidence does Ezra 6:1, 2 give that Darius I was

willing to be fair with his Jewish subjects in Palestine?

The king could have ordered the Jews to stop their work

when he could not find a record of Cyrus' decree in Babylon.

Instead, he continued searching until he found the decree.

Contrast the decree that Darius found (Ezra 6:3-5) with

the decree Cyrus published throughout the empire (Ezra

1:2-4). Why was it providential that Darius discovered the

official decree?

The decree that Darius found was for official use only. It

served as a directive to realm officials and stated that the

royal treasury would pay to rebuild the temple. The decree

that Cyrus

published

contained a permit to return to Judah, to

rebuild the temple, and to collect money to assist with the

rebuilding project. It stated nothing about the treasury paying

for expenses.

Cyrus was the revered founder of the Persian Empire. Thus

his decrees carried considerable weight with later Persian

rulers. His statements regarding the size of the temple, its

manner of building, and the plans for financing it would

influence Darius

to reaffirm Cyrus' decree.

The Samaritans suppressed.

In his response (Ezra 6:6-12),

Darius placed accountability for building the temple on the

"desk" of Tatnai. He authorized Tatnai to finance the building

from Tatnai's tax funds. Darius also empowered Tatnai to

sentence with capital punishment and confiscation of prop-

erty any who dared interfere with the temple project. This

action effectively stopped Samaritan hindrance to the temple's

erection.

Darius expressed a measure

of faith in

the Jews' God by

requesting that they pray for his life and the lives of his

sons (Ezra 6:10). Why do you feel it was right for the Jews to

do so? See 1 Timothy 2:1-4. What reasons do we have to pray

for government officials?

Wednesday



October 20

THE TEMPLE IS FINISHED (Ezra 6:13-15).

How do these verses characterize the Jews' second at-

tempt to rebuild the temple? Ezra 5:8; 6:12, 13.

The account of the Jews' second attempt to erect the temple

is characterized by a Hebrew word that appears several times.

The word highlights the scene with intense activity ("with

diligence," NIV).

"When God opens the way for the accomplishment of a

certain work, and gives assurance of success, the chosen in-

strumentality must do all in his power to bring about the

promised result. In proportion to the enthusiasm and perse-

verance with which the work is carried forward, will be the

success

given."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 263.

What specific promises given by God through Zechariah

did the builders see fulfilled? Zech. 1:16; 4:6-10.

The Jews began their second attempt at building the temple

on September 21, 520 B.C. (Haggai 1:14, 15) and completed

the task on March 12, 515 B.C. (Ezra 6:15), a period of ap-

proximately 4 1/2 years. The previous temple had taken seven

years to build (see 1 Kings 6:37, 38).

Thank-you notes.

In Ezra 6:14, Ezra acknowledges that

apart from God's providence nothing would have been ac-

complished. He also recognizes the agents through whom

God worked: Cyrus, Darius I, and Artaxerxes I.

The mention of Artaxerxes indicates that Ezra probably

wrote this account during the time of Artaxerxes (465-423

B.C.). Why would Ezra list Artaxerxes I when he came to the

throne 50 years after the temple was completed? Since Artaxerxes

was the third king "to beautify the house of the Lord" (Ezra

7:27) and to forward the work of restoring Jerusalem, it was

fitting for Ezra to mention him.

People often begin projects for God with enthusiasm but

become discouraged when obstacles arise. How does the

story of Ezra and Nehemiah help with this problem? (1) It

shows the effects of hard work and prayer. (2) It tells exactly

how things should be done today. (3) It demonstrates how

God accomplishes the impossible. (4) Other.

Thursday



October 21

DEDICATION AND PASSOVER (Ezra 6:16-22).

In what spirit did the former exiles celebrate the dedica-

tion of the finished temple? What is the significance of the

expressions, "the children of Israel," and "a sin offering for

all Israel"? Ezra 6:16, 17.

Twenty-one years had elapsed since the returned exiles

first began work on the temple. Now they realized with great

joy that God had never abandoned them or His cause.

Ezra's emphasis on "Israel" testifies that the restored na-

tion—with representatives from all 12 tribes—was the true

spiritual descendant of the two Jewish kingdoms that had

gone into Assyrian-Babylonian captivity.

Compare the sacrifices of this second dedication service

with those offered at the consecration of Solomon's temple.

Ezra 6:17; 1 Kings 8:63.

While the total number of offerings for the dedication of

Zerubbabel's temple was considerably smaller, we still won-

der how it was done and why. It should be noted that the bulk

of the sacrifices at Solomon's dedication were "peace offer-

ings" (see 1 Kings 8:63). Only the fat of these animals was

burned; their flesh provided food for the festive meal—or

meals—for the masses who attended the celebration. Thus the

number attending may well have determined the number of

peace offerings sacrificed.

Sharing the good news.

A few weeks later the Israelites

celebrated the Passover (Ezra 6:19). There is evidence that

they were "evangelizing" in the fact that those who "had

separated themselves . . . from the filthiness of the heathen of

the land" ate the Passover with them (Ezra 6:21).

Do you see your faith as being strong enough to keep you

through the 21 years it took Israel to rebuild the temple? If

not, how can your faith be strengthened?

"When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to

cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely

come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most."

—Steps to Christ,

p. 96.

What promises are you clinging to today?

Make A Sad Story A Glad Story!

This is a story of four people: Everybody, Somebody,

an Nobody. There

was an

important job to

one, and verybody was sure Sombody would do it.

Anybody could do it, but Nobody did it. Somebody

got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.

nycdy

would have done it, but Nobody realized that

y wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody

blamed Somebody when actually Nobody asked Anybody.

The purpose of the

irteenth Sabbath Offering is to ask you!

Please remember

Africa Indian Ocean Division on cember 18.

(And thank you for your regular mission support each Sabbath.)

Friday



October 22

FURTHER STUDY:

Read Isaiah 1:1, 11-20 and Zechariah 7:1,

9, 10. What underlying principle is basic to prophetic mes-

sages, and how can you apply it to your life?

Read portions of "The Prophets of God Helping Them,"

"Joshua and the Angel," and "Not by Might nor by Power" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 573-597, and "Decision and Prompt-

ness" in

Gospel Workers,

pp. 133-135.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What can we learn about intercessory prayer from Ezra's

experience?

In Thursday's lesson we learned that the Israelites' love

for God attracted others to the faith. What does your

attitude and behavior tell others about the God you

profess to serve?

SUMMARY:

Samaritans harassed the Jews into idleness. But

the prophetic witness of Haggai and Zechariah led to a strik-

ing revival of faith, enabling the Jews to succeed. Responding

to the appeals of God through Scripture and the prophetic gift

of Ellen White will bring a revival to God's end-time people,

enabling them to keep pace with His opening providences in

preparing a people for Christ's return.

Lesson 5



October 24-30

Living by the Word

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 7, 8.

MEMORY TEXT: "Ezra had prepared his heart to seek

the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel

statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10).

KEY QUESTIONS:

Why is understanding Scripture so es-

sential to a vibrant Christian experience? What efforts are you

willing to make to obtain such an understanding?

REGAINING OUR HEALTH.

More than 1,100 strangers

responded to a New Year's Eve call and braved a winter

storm to help save the life of Joanne, a 19-year-old victim of

leukemia. The young woman required a donation of bone

marrow compatible with hers. Nearly 40 relatives had tested

negative, and now the family appealed to the public for help.

As bone marrow is essential for physical life, so is the

Word of God essential for spiritual life (John 6:63). Joanne's

chances of finding compatible marrow were only one in 20,000

in the general populace and one in 10,000 in her community of

black persons. But for millions of people, the life-giving Scrip-

tures are at their fingertips, and many ongoing programs

make them available to previously unreached language groups.

Vigorous spiritual health comes only as the Word of God is

implanted in our hearts (James 1:21). This week we study how

God's Word was implanted in Ezra's heart and in the hearts

of his people.

Sunday



October 24

BACK TO THE BIBLE (Ezra 7:1-6, 10).

Nearly 60 years elapsed between the completion of the

temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua and the arrival of Ezra

with a second migration of Jews from Babylon.

Although Ezra was a priest by descent and training, what

was his special interest? Ezra 7:6.

The Hebrew word

torah

is translated "law." In Ezra and

Nehemiah, the word

torah

appears 24 times. Torah refers to

God's revealed will or any part of it. The term denotes God's

"instructions" as given to His people in Scripture. Torah often

designates the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible

written by Moses. It also applies to all of Old Testament

Scripture as Ezra assembled it.

Ezra's two desires:

(1) He wanted to know, understand,

and obey God's will (Ezra 7:10). (2) He also desired to know

why Israel had gone into captivity (Ezra 9:7). With daily,

patient study of the Scriptures, especially the Pentateuch,

Ezra became "skilled in the law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6, RSV).

As he "searched the historical and poetical books of the Bible

. . . [he learned] why the Lord had permitted Jerusalem to be

destroyed, and His people carried captive into a heathen

land."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 608.

To what important facts about themselves would Ezra's

study and teaching have called the people's attention? Ezra

7:6, 10; Deut. 4:6-8 (compare Rom. 3:1, 2).

"It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to

learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in

the light, and encourage others to follow his example. We

should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every

thought, and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine

help, we are to form our opinions for ourselves, as we are to

answer for ourselves before God."—The

Great Controversy,

598.

According to the quotation above and Ezra 7:10, what

three-pronged approach should you take as you study the

Bible if you would truly know God's will for your life?

Monday



October 25

AUTHORITY FROM ARTAXERXES I (Ezra 7:11-26).

The Persian kings evidently had commissioners, drawn

from the ranks of the subject nations, who functioned as ad-

visers on the affairs of their respective peoples (see Neh.

11:24). Studies have shown that Ezra's title, "a scribe of the

law of the God of heaven" (Ezra 7:12), indicates he was a

commissioner in charge of Jewish affairs. Such an appoint-

ment gave him a great deal of influence in the court and

brought him in contact with Artaxerxes the king. (See

SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 366.)

What wide-sweeping permission did Artaxerxes I give

the Jews at this time? Ezra 7:13, 14.

The Lord made it evident that He wanted His people to

resettle in their homeland. Just as His servant Daniel influ-

enced Cyrus, now Ezra appealed to Artaxerxes.

Who else beside the king wanted Ezra to organize the

province of Judah? Ezra 7:14. How did Artaxerxes ask Ezra

to organize the province? Ezra 7:25, 26.

The fact that the king's seven counselors endorsed Judah as

a functioning national entity in the Persian Empire suggests

certain political motives. A few years earlier Egypt revolted

from Persian domination. In 456 B.C. (the year after Ezra's

return) Megabyzos, Artaxerxes' brother-in-law, entered Egypt

at the head of a Persian army and in a successful two-year

campaign restored Persian authority. The establishment of

Judah in 457 B.C. as a viable, subject nation would give Per-

sian forces a loyal Palestinian base from which to launch their

military excursions into Egypt.

"In the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we

behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counterplay

of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of

the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the coun-

sels of His own

will."—Education,

p. 173.

What in this lesson encourages you to believe that God

always active to accomplish His purpose in your life and in

your church?

Tuesday



October 26

A TIME FOR THANKSGIVING (Ezra 7:27, 28).

Ezra 7:6, 28 suggests that Ezra appeared in person before

the king to request the provisions embodied in the written

decree. What enabled this humble man to exercise such

holy boldness? Compare Romans 10:17.

Ezra studied the Scriptures diligently in order to know

God's will. Thus he developed both a steadfast faith in God

and courage to use his position to benefit God's people. Holy

boldness springs from intimate communion with the heavenly

King of kings.

"The weak man may become strong, the timid may become

brave, and the irresolute and undecided may become men of

quick and firm decision, when they feel that God considers

them of sufficient consequence to accept their

labors."—Tes-

timonies, vol.

p. 614.

Summarize Ezra's reaction to the generosity of the Per-

sian court. Notice to whom Ezra gives the credit. Ezra 7:27,

28 (compare Proverbs 21:1).

There is no self-glorifying on Ezra's part. He freely ac-

knowledges that it was God who prompted the Persians, and

that it was God's grace that enabled him to make a persuasive

presentation.

How sensitive are you to the evidences of God's overrul-

ing providences in your personal affairs? in the church? in

the world? Is the attitude of praise and thanksgiving a nor-

mal part of your life? Why or why not?

"Difficulties will arise that will try your faith and patience.

Face them bravely. Look on the bright side. If the work is

hindered, be sure that it is not your fault, and then go for-

ward, rejoicing in the Lord. Heaven is full of joy. It resounds

with the praises of Him who made so wonderful a sacrifice

for the redemption of the human race. Should not the church

on earth be full of praise? Should not Christians publish through-

out the world the joy of serving Christ? Those who in heaven

join with the angelic choir in their anthem of praise must learn

on earth the song of heaven, the keynote of which is thanks-

giving."—Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 244.

Wednesday



October 27

EXODUS UNDER EZRA (Ezra 8:1-30).

Nearly 150 years had elapsed since the first captives had

been taken to Babylon. And it was now 80 years since Zerubbabel

had led the initial migration back home.

Ezra addressed his appeal to return to Judah to the "chief"

men, the heads of family groups. If they agreed to leave

Babylon, they would have an important influence in urging

"clan" members to return also.

At the staging area, Ezra discovered that no one from the

tribe of Levi had decided to return. How did he remedy the

situation? Ezra 8:15-20.

Levitical families would be reluctant to leave their estab-

lished homes and gainful employment in Babylon, because

unlike those of other tribes, they had no hereditary lands

awaiting them in Palestine. The Levites were dependent on

Israel's tithe (Num. 18:20, 21). Thus, the return to Palestine

meant they would have to exchange their economic security

for the seeming uncertainties of a tithing system that varied

with the spiritual and material condition of Judah. But the

Levites were the centerpiece in Ezra's plan to instruct the

people in the statutes and judgments of the law of God.

God's protection, not man's. Next, Ezra led the people in a

season of fasting and prayer, asking that God would honor

their trust in Him and bring them safely through the perils of

the journey (Ezra 8:21-23). Ezra had spoken so openly of the

true God before the king that he was embarrassed to ask for

military protection along the way.

Describe Ezra's plan for the transportation of the gold,

silver, and costly vessels. Why was this a good plan? Ezra

8:24-29.

Although Ezra led the people in several days of fasting

and prayer, it is evident that he also made careful plans to

assure success. If we commit our lives to Christ, why is it

necessary to make plans? Why is it not a lack of faith to

exercise prudent thought and set goals for life's journey?

How can you balance your human plans with total trust in

God's control and guidance of your affairs?

Thursday



October 28

HOME AT LAST (Ezra 7:7-9; 8:31-36).

In what year of the reign of Artaxerxes I did Ezra's group

arrive in Jerusalem? Ezra 7:7.

Because Ezra and Nehemiah appeared as one book in He-

brew manuscripts until A.D. 1448, we may presume that a

similar dating system undergirds both. Evidence from Nehemiah

1:1; 2:1, and archeological findings from a fifth-century-B.C.

Jewish garrison in southern Egypt indicate that the Jews at the

time of Ezra were using an autumn-to-autumn calendar. Thus,

Ezra's migration began and ended in 457 B.C., the seventh

year of Artaxerxes' reign according to Jewish reckoning. Since

it would have taken some time to put into operation the king's

directives, the decree that fully restored Judah as a nation

would not have become effective before the autumn of 457

B.C.

Why was 457 B.C. a crucial year for God's people? Dan.

9:25.

According to Daniel 9:25 the Messiah would appear 69

prophetic weeks after "the going forth of the commandment

to restore and to build Jerusalem." A day in prophetic time is

equivalent to a literal year (Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6). Therefore,

69 weeks x 7 days per week = 483 days/years. The books of

Ezra and Nehemiah list four "decrees": (1) 537 B.C., to rebuild

the temple (Ezra 1:1-4); (2) 519 B.C., to reactivate the first

decree to rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:1-12); (3) 457 B.C., to

restore the autonomy of the Jewish nation under Persian lord-

ship (Ezra 7:11-26; this is one of the most significant dates in

human history); (4) 444 B.C., to restore recently burned gates

and partially destroyed walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 2:3-5; 6:15).

Since the third decree is the only one that truly restored

Judah as a functioning state, it is reasonable to begin Daniel's

prophecy with the time when that decree became effective—

the autumn of 457 B.C. (Compare Ezra 6:14.) On this basis of

reckoning the Messiah would appear in the fall of A.D. 27, the

year in which Jesus was baptized. (See Luke 3:1, 2, 21.)

Why do you think God told is Old Testament church

when the Messiah would come? Why is He not as specific

regarding the Second Coming?

Friday



October 29

FURTHER STUDY: Read Daniel 8:13, 14; 9:21-26.

The year 457 B.C. is critical to us, as well, because it is the

starting point of the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14. In

Daniel 9:24, the angel "tells Daniel that 490 years [remember

the year-day principle] were to be cut off from the longer

period of 2300 years. As the starting point for the 490 years,

Gabriel points to 'the going forth of the command to restore

and build Jerusalem' (Dan. 9:25), which took place in 457

B.C. . . .

"The 490 years ended in A.D. 34 [when Stephen was stoned].

When we cut off 490 years from the 2300 years, we are left

with 1810 years. Since the 2300 years were to extend 1810

years beyond A.D. 34, they reach to the year 1844.

"In 1844, Christ came to the Ancient of Days and began the

final phase of His high-priestly ministry in the heavenly sanc-

tuary. This ministry was the antitype of the Day of Atonement

cleansing of the sanctuary that Daniel 7 depicts as the pre-

Advent investigative

judgment."—Seventh-day

Adventists Be-

lieve,

p. 324.

Read "Ezra, the Priest and Scribe" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp.

607-617;

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, pp. 100-109, 326, 327;

vol. 2, pp. 110, 116;

Seventh-day Adventists Believe,

pp. 312-327.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Does the thought of an investigative judgment cause you

to be fearful or joyful? Why? Might some fear be essen-

tial to growth in sanctification?

What assurance do we find in the process of the investi-

gative judgment? 1 John 2:1.

Upon what does the investigative judgment encourag(

us to depend? Matt. 22:11-14; 2 Cor. 12:9; Rev. 3:5.

List two reasons for the investigative judgment.

SUMMARY:

The driving force of

Ezra's migration was a

back-to-the-Bible movement. A similar earnest searching of

the Scriptures will result in spiritual strength for believers

today, inspiring them to daring exploits of witnessing.

Lesson 6



October 31-November 6

Mixed Marriages

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 9, 10.

MEMORY TEXT: "Be ye not unequally yoked together

with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light

with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

KEY QUESTION:

Why are religiously mixed marriages

quite often a detriment to spiritual development?

"WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES?"

The series' title was an

attention-getter for college students: "Love, Courtship, and

Marriage"! All eyes were fixed on the speaker and the young

couple. "Marilyn," the speaker said, "I want you to stand up

here with me and face the audience. You represent a Chris-

tian. Ned, you stand one step lower facing Marilyn and take

her hand. You represent a non-Christian suitor.

"You want to marry, but you do not have the same spir-

itual values. Marilyn, what are your chances of bringing Ned

to where you stand?" Marilyn seized Ned's hand with both of

hers and pulled, but the husky Ned didn't budge. "Ned, try to

bring Marilyn to you." With one quick yank, Marilyn tumbled

down. Few missed the point: In a mixed marriage, it is easier

for the believer to compromise faith than to lift the unbeliev-

ing spouse to a higher spiritual level. Mixed marriages were

one of the great issues that faced Ezra.

Sunday



October 31

PROBLEM AND PRAYER (Ezra 9:1-15).

Like yeast in bread dough, Ezra's spiritual influence began

to penetrate the earlier settlers. Once in their homeland, Ezra

was able to arouse some consciences in less than five months.

What problem was thus presented to Ezra? Why was it so

serious an issue? Ezra 9:1, 2 (compare Deut. 7:6).

No one is authorized to mount the judgment seat to criti-

cize persons in religiously mixed marriages. Not all mixed

marriages have harmed godly believers. Nevertheless, it is

often true that a religiously mixed marriage leads the believer

to compromise his or her faith. The possibility was that Jewish

intermarriage with pagans would lead to the extinction of the

true religion. Since even the priests and Levites were involved

in this trend, the practice would eventually become wide-

spread.

Last week we learned that Ezra was an earnest student of

Scripture. Surely he must have known about the counsel God

gave to Israel after He led them out of Egypt. He also must

have known that the problem of believers marrying unbe-

lievers was one reason for the Flood. (See Gen. 6:1, 2, 4, 5; Ex.

34:14-16; Deut. 7:1-4; Joshua 23:11-13.)

How did Ezra react after becoming aware of the problem?

Ezra 9:3-15.

"In his study of the causes leading to the Babylonian cap-

tivity, Ezra had learned that Israel's apostasy was largely

traceable to their mingling with heathen nations. He had seen

that if they had obeyed God's command to keep separate

from the nations surrounding them, they would have been

spared many sad and humiliating experiences. Now when he

learned that notwithstanding the lessons of the past, men of

prominence had dared transgress the laws given as a safe-

guard against apostasy, his heart was stirred within him."

—Prophets and Kings,

p. 620.

Why does the counsel against believers marrying unbe-

lievers still apply to Christians today? How should we com-

municate concern to those about to enter a mixed marriage?

How should we relate to the couple after the marriage has

been entered into? Why?

Monday



November 1

SEVERING MIXED TIES (Ezra 10).

As the priests and Levites, along with the men, women,

and children, witnessed Ezra's anguish over their mixed mar-

riages, they themselves burst into tears. In his prayer, Ezra

proposed no solution; he feared there was none.

What solution did Shechaniah propose? Ezra 10:2-4.

The remedy to divorce their foreign wives and put them

and their children away came from one of the leading men

and was sworn to, and thus endorsed, by both the leadership

and the people (Ezra 10:5). This tragic solution, resulting as it

did in great trauma for the families involved, was evidently

felt to be the lesser of two evils. We may assume that the plan

involved the return of the wives and children to their parental

homes beyond the borders of Judah.

An urgent proclamation.

Ezra 10:7 tells us that a proclama-

tion then went throughout the entire land, calling for "all the

children of the captivity" to meet in Jerusalem. Any who

would not come would be separated from the congregation

and his property appropriated to the sacred use of the temple

(Ezra 10:8).

Summarize the appeal Ezra made to the people, and their

response. Ezra 10:10-14.

Although Ezra had not proposed the solution, he evidently

endorsed it. He plainly laid before the national assembly the

nature of their trespass and called on them to respond in

harmony with the solution covenanted a few days earlier by

the leaders and congregation at Jerusalem.

The ninth month in the Jewish calendar is the time of heavy

winter rains. The weather, plus the extent of the problem,

contributed to the decision that those involved should appear

before suitable panels of elders and judges in each city to have

their cases reviewed and settled.

Although God freely forgives, why is it so difficult to

retrace our steps once we've sinned? Remember, it is better

to heed the fence at the top of the cliff than to have an

ambulance waiting for us at the foot.

Tuesday



November 2

DANGERS OF A PERSISTENT BAD PRACTICE (Neh. 13:23-

29).

Thirteen years after the first recorded instance of mixed

marriages, Nehemiah, as governor, faced it again. Nehemiah

served two terms as governor of Judah. After the initial stint

of 12 years (Neh. 5:14), he returned to the court of Artaxerxes

(13:6), probably for several years. When he returned to Judah,

he was once again confronted with the problem of mixed

marriages (13:23, 24). Now he perceived a new danger, "namely

the corruption of the next generation. The babble of languages

among the children (13:24) was not only a symptom but a

threat: it meant a steady erosion of Israelite identity at the

level of all thinking and expression, and a loss of access to the

Word of God."—Kidner,

Ezra & Nehemiah,

p. 131.

What did the people vow during a service in which they

renewed their covenant loyalty to God? Neh. 10:29, 30.

The renewal of Israel's commitment to God and the subse-

quent years under Nehemiah's governorship (Neh. 5:14) were

high points in the nation's post-exilic experience.

"Every true turning to the Lord brings abiding joy into the

life. . . . It is God's glory to encircle sinful, repentant human

beings in the arms of His love, to bind up their wounds, to

cleanse them from sin, and to clothe them with the garments

of salvation."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 668.

In his appeal to the people, Nehemiah referred to Solomon

(Neh. 13:26). How did this king, despite his wisdom, even-

tually apostatize? 1 Kings 3:1; 11:1-8.

"Solomon flattered himself that his wisdom and the power

of his example would lead his wives from idolatry to the

worship of the true God, and also that the alliances thus

formed would draw the nations round about into close touch

with

Israel."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 54.

Why does the influence of evil seem to exert itself in a

stronger, more effective manner than does the influence of

good?

Wednesday



November 3

INTERMARRIAGE AND INTRIGUE (Neh. 6:17, 18; 13:4-9, 28).

How did Tobiah the Ammonite and Sanballat the Horonite

secure influence over the affairs of Judah? Neh. 13:4, 5 (com-

pare 6:17, 18; 13:28).

It is generally recognized that Eliashib, the high priest, was

"allied" or "connected" to Tobiah, probably through the mar-

riages of Tobiah and his son with two prominent families in

Judah (Neh. 6:17-19). The high priest was also linked with

Sanballat through the marriage of his grandson with Sanballat's

daughter (Neh. 13:4, 28). Marriage with the enemy influenced

Eliashib the high priest and other leading families to betray

their nation. The high priest even allowed Tobiah to live in the

temple complex while Nehemiah was back at the Persian

court (Neh. 13:4-7).

What vigorous action did Nehemiah take against these

mixed marriages, especially those at the priestly level? Neh.

13:8, 9, 28-30.

"A grandson of the high priest, having married a daughter

of the notorious Sanballat, was not only removed from office,

but promptly banished from Israel. . . .

"Many who had married idolaters chose to go with them

into exile; and these, with those who had been expelled from

the congregation, joined the Samaritans. Hither some who

had occupied high positions in the work of God found their

way, and after a time cast in their lot fully with them. Desiring

to strengthen this alliance, the Samaritans promised to adopt

more fully the Jewish faith and customs; and the apostates,

determined to outdo their former brethren, erected a temple

on Mount Gerizim, in opposition to the house of God at

Jerusalem. Their religion continued to be a mixture of Juda-

ism and heathenism; and their claim to be the people of God

was the source of schism, emulation, and enmity between the

two nations, from generation to generation."—Prophets

and

Kings,

pp. 674, 675.

How could Israel separate herself from strangers, yet still

attract others to God? What implications does your answer

have for the Seventh-day Adventist Church today?

Thursday



November 4

DIVORCE FOR THE WRONG REASONS (Mal. 2:11, 14-16).

God also directed Malachi to speak to the issue of mixed

marriages. How did divorce figure into the matter? How did

the Lord regard such divorces? Mal. 2:11, 14-16.

The "daughter of a strange [or foreign] god" (Mal. 2:11)

was an idolatress who served a foreign deity just as the Israel-

ites were sons of Yahweh because they served the true God

(Deut. 14:1, RSV). Malachi speaks about God's hatred of di-

vorce in the context of both leaders and people divorcing their

Jewish spouses so they could marry pagan women.

What New Testament principle continues to advise Chris-

tians against mixed marital unions? 2 Cor. 6:14-16.

What counsels regarding marriage did the apostles Paul

and Peter give to persons who became Christians? 1 Cor.

7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1.

Why did Ezra and Nehemiah insist on dissolving the mixed

marriages in Judah, while Paul and Peter encouraged new

Christians to keep their nonbelieving spouses? In the time of

Ezra and Nehemiah, national existence was at stake—not so

in Christian times. Paul and Peter gave their counsel when the

church was young and growing rapidly. Thus it often oc-

curred that a husband or wife would become a Christian, but

his or her spouse would choose to continue with the belief

they both held at the time of their marriage. The apostles

advised that in such cases it would not be right for the Chris-

tian spouse to divorce the nonbelieving spouse. This counsel

indicates God's will today for those who find themselves in a

spiritually divided home. God will guide a believer in adopt-

ing winning ways toward the nonbelieving spouse. While no

one is required to submit to abusive behavior from a spouse, a

believer is encouraged to stay with the nonbelieving spouse

because there is always the possibility that the believer's wit-

ness will attract the nonbeliever to Christ.

Neither Beth nor Jim was a Christian when they married.

Recently Beth became a Seventh-day Adventist, and she

wonders how she should regard Jim. How would you advise

her?

Friday



November 5

FURTHER STUDY:

How does Genesis 24:1-4 assist in your

understanding of this week's lesson? Why was it so important

for Isaac to have a spouse of like religious faith?